RRI.CO.ID, Jember - Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural heritage and creative innovation through the 2026 Jember Fashion Carnaval (JFC), one of the country's largest cultural festivals. Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture Bambang Wibawarta, attended the Grand Carnival in Jember, East Java, on Sunday July 26, 2026. highlighting the government's support for culture-based creative industries.

Held under the theme "HEAL: Human, Earth, Life," JFC 2026 brought together more than 2,500 participants from across Indonesia. The event featured a 3.6-kilometer parade that combined fashion, traditional culture, and environmental awareness through eight thematic defiles.

The Ministry of Culture views the annual festival as a successful example of how cultural heritage can inspire innovation while contributing to tourism and local economic development. The carnival also demonstrates Indonesia's efforts to position creativity as a strategic asset in strengthening its cultural identity on the global stage.

Bambang Wibawarta, said Jember Fashion Carnaval represents far more than a fashion event, describing it as a meeting point between tradition and innovation. "JFC is not merely a fashion show. It is a stage of civilization where cultural heritage is transformed into a universal language that unites people beyond national borders, languages, and backgrounds," he said.

He added that Indonesia's rich cultural diversity becomes truly meaningful when it is continuously preserved, reinterpreted, and transformed into works that generate cultural, social, and economic value. According to him, JFC has consistently demonstrated how local traditions can evolve into internationally recognized creative expressions.

The Secretary General also expressed appreciation to organizers, artists, designers, artisans, volunteers, and local governments for sustaining the festival over the years. He said the Ministry hopes JFC will continue to grow as a center for cultural innovation, a platform for nurturing creative talent, and an instrument of Indonesia's cultural diplomacy worldwide.

Running from July 24 to 26, JFC 2026 featured a series of events, including the Kids & Art Carnival, the Wonderful Archipelago Carnival Indonesia (WACI), and the Grand Carnival. The festival also showcased eco-fashion created from recycled materials, reflecting Indonesia's commitment to environmental sustainability through artistic innovation.

The Ministry of Culture reaffirmed its commitment to supporting community-based cultural festivals that preserve Indonesia's rich traditions while stimulating local economies. Through internationally recognized events such as Jember Fashion Carnaval, Indonesia aims to strengthen its reputation as a nation that values its cultural heritage, embraces creativity, and confidently shares its identity with the world.